Chiraa: A sixteen-year-old boy’s life was tragically cut short after he ingested nine tablets of RED 225 during a competition to determine who could best use the drug in Chiraa, located in the Sunyani West Municipality.

According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Philip Anokye, the Clinical Coordinator at the Chiraa Government Hospital, reported that the incident occurred approximately three months ago, and the young boy has since been laid to rest. In an interview, Dr. Anokye detailed that when the boy arrived at the hospital, he was in a weakened state and had experienced seizures.

Dr. Anokye stated, “We tried our best to revive him, after initiating our emergency protocols; however he passed on due to the high level of dose.” He expressed concern over the increasing trend of illicit drug use among the youth in the area, noting that the problem is exacerbated during events such as funerals. He urged stakeholders to intervene to protect young lives.

Dr. Anokye further revealed that there have been numerous cases of young individuals consuming substances like “wee toffees,” along with alcohol and other illicit drugs, primarily for their euphoric effects. In response, health personnel at the hospital have ramped up public education efforts regarding the dangers of drug abuse.

He called for broader public support, emphasizing the dangers of RED 225, and urged for more action to prevent drug abuse. Additionally, he highlighted that most of these drugs are unapproved and stressed the need for collective action to halt their importation into the country.